James McClean stopped short of backing Paolo Di Canio last night amid stinging criticism from inside the Sunderland dressing room.

And the Republic of Ireland winger did not rule out looking for more regular first-team football elsewhere next season.

“Each manager has their own style, do you know what I mean, so I will just leave it at that,” said the Ireland ace last night when quizzed on the controversial Italian.

“I’ll look at what happens over the summer and keep my head down, push on and do the best for me personally. Whatever comes of that comes of that.”

Di Canio’s man-management skills have been blasted by Black Cats defender Titus Bramble who is leaving the club this summer.

The ex-Swindon town boss kept Sunderland up after succeeding Martin O’Neill at the club. But Bramble - fined by the Italian for missing a gym session - reckons he has made some major errors since taking over.

He slammed Di Canio for ‘targeting easy players’ and ‘upsetting’ the more experienced professionals in the dressing room.

And Bramble fumed: “He’s upsetting them and it isn’t just those who are leaving. He thinks he knows everything but he has a lot to learn. He has a long, long way to go.

“He’s a young manager trying to stamp his mark on things but he’s making some big mistakes.”

McClean refused to become embroiled in a war of words - but his lack of backing for Di Canio’s management style amid repeated questioning was striking.